ajkitt
Member
Posts: 175
What I collect: Classics, Central Europe, World
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Post by ajkitt on Sept 11, 2020 2:30:24 GMT
And if that still isn't enough, then I take a photo and run that through an image editing program, where I can crank up or down the contrast & brightness as much as I want. Nice! I'll have to try that next time I have a problem! (I also turn down the room lights and adjust the brightness on the T1; it's part of that "finesse" thing I mentioned.  )
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mikeclevenger
Member
Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 11, 2020 8:41:11 GMT
I'm another fan of the T1 Signoscope. When I have problems seeing the watermark clearly with it, my trick for that is to turn off the lights (same as I do when looking for phosphorescent tagging on British & old Canadian stamps) and then use a very low light setting on the Signoscope. I find that the contrast in the image is greater that way and I can more easily see what there is to see. And if that still isn't enough, then I take a photo and run that through an image editing program, where I can crank up or down the contrast & brightness as much as I want. Ryan Ryan, do you know how to solder wires? If so, I can send you the list of parts, and write up the instructions, to modify the T1 with an LED that changes colors by remote. I can see the watermarks of the worst stamps with that easily, sitting right next to a 300 watt, 6500K (daylight) light bulb in my lamp, which is extremely bright. You just change the colors with the remote until the watermark shows. Just let me know. Thanks, Mike.
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Ryan
Member
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,627
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many, many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Sept 12, 2020 2:33:58 GMT
Ryan, do you know how to solder wires? I'm tolerable at it, but I'm way better with a welder! I count on the shrink wrap to help hold things together as much as the solder ... haha Ryan
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mikeclevenger
Member
Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 12, 2020 9:47:59 GMT
Ryan, do you know how to solder wires? I'm tolerable at it, but I'm way better with a welder! I count on the shrink wrap to help hold things together as much as the solder ... haha Ryan Soldering is actually easy. Think about it as in welding, you have to get the hot spark and hold it, until the metal melts together. If it is something really small, it doesn't need to be as hot. The most important thing is to not melt the solder with the soldering iron, but heat the wire to be soldered, and put the solder against the wire to let it melt. Always use the thin solder when soldering wires together, it is easier to control, and usually melt easier. I have had to teach many people how to solder over the years in my job. But I do not solder circuit boards, I usually melt them! LOL.
Have a great day.
Mike.
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mikeclevenger
Member
Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 12, 2020 9:52:59 GMT
Ryan, do you know how to solder wires? I'm tolerable at it, but I'm way better with a welder! I count on the shrink wrap to help hold things together as much as the solder ... haha Ryan Hey Ryan, actually, if you would like the color changing LED lights for you Signascope, I can put it all together for you. I can make it simple for you to install. I just have to find what I did with all the extra pieces I have. It works great on white light, but when I can't see the watermark, then I just change colors until I can see it. Just let me know, I may have all the parts here, I had to order extras of most of the pieces I think, and I can make it so you could just cut and strip your wires and use wire nuts if you want to.
Have a great day,
Mike
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Ryan
Member
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 2,627
What I collect: If I have a catalogue for it, I collect it. And I have many, many catalogues ....
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Post by Ryan on Sept 12, 2020 20:36:39 GMT
The most important thing is to not melt the solder with the soldering iron, but heat the wire to be soldered, and put the solder against the wire to let it melt. My Dad would always fuss at me about avoiding cold solder joints - heating only the solder but not the wire. So I always tried to spend enough time to get everything hot enough, and usually had a big pile of splatters at my feet from flinging globs of melted solder out of the way. They clean up fine on the concrete floor of the shop - I doubt I'd get them out of my carpeting here at home, though .... Hey Ryan, actually, if you would like the color changing LED lights for you Signascope, I can put it all together for you. Well, that would certainly be a fine thing. If it's easy enough for you to do, then you can find my address in the forum's list. Thanks very much! Ryan
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mikeclevenger
Member
Posts: 887
What I collect: Ohio Tax Stamps, Ohio & Georgia Revenues, US Revenues, US FDC's, & Germany Classics
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Post by mikeclevenger on Sept 15, 2020 9:15:20 GMT
They clean up fine on the concrete floor of the shop - I doubt I'd get them out of my carpeting here at home, though .... Hey Ryan, actually, if you would like the color changing LED lights for you Signascope, I can put it all together for you. Well, that would certainly be a fine thing. If it's easy enough for you to do, then you can find my address in the forum's list. Thanks very much! Ryan Don't think your the first to destroy some carpet, been there, done that. LOL.
I will see if I can find all the parts here to make you a conversion kit. It may be a little while, I am actually going to get cooler weather this week, which means I can work outside for an entire day for once.
Have a great day.
Mike.
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angore
Member
Posts: 4,781
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Mar 7, 2021 12:58:40 GMT
Since I was having trouble with finding watermarks on some stamps, I decided to purchase a watermark detector. There was a seller in Canada with a competitive price. If you are not familiar with specific watermarks, it can be a challenge to spot on difficult specimens due cancels, color, front print details, etc. It can take a while to spot them. The advantage is there is no need to refresh watermark fluid for extended viewing. For some difficult Cayman Island stamps, it worked where it was near impossible for me to see with fluid. It worked best in a darkened room. 
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hrdoktorx
Member
Posts: 5,980
What I collect: France (and French territories), Africa, Canada, USA, Germany, Guatemala, stamps about science, flags, maps, stamps on stamps...
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Post by hrdoktorx on Mar 7, 2021 13:45:25 GMT
Thanks for the review! I've seen a recent offer for the very same apparatus in France, and I was tempted, until I saw the asking price of 199 Euros, which tempered my enthusiasm...
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rex
Member
Posts: 1,050
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Post by rex on Mar 7, 2021 17:22:53 GMT
Great buy, the Sherlock has lights of different colors for better identification, I think it is the top of the range. It will give you a lot of satisfaction, congratulations.
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angore
Member
Posts: 4,781
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Mar 27, 2021 10:59:01 GMT
I have had a chance to use the Sherlock Watermark detector on some early GB commonwealth so dealing with Crown CA, multi-crown CA, and script CA. The results were generally good but varied. In some cases, where you could see the watermark without any fluid or detector, the detector did not render well. On some stamps where fluid was seemed useless the detector was able show it. The true advantage is unlimited dwell time to try to pick out the watermark given stamp aspects (incomplete gum, cancellations, hinge remnants, design features like heavy frames, etc) can obscure results. Pressure is key with the screw press design. The net is it increases confidence on assessments.
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radiocruncher
Member
Posts: 317
What I collect: GB especially Wildings and Machins. Early Germany to 1945
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Post by radiocruncher on Jul 3, 2021 15:17:30 GMT
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Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,340
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Jul 3, 2021 15:57:21 GMT
Thanks for your post, Graham ( radiocruncher). This thread is a reasonable location choice for your post, but there is actually a thread specifically about the Signoscope here: thestampforum.boards.net/thread/6562/signoscope-great-product-missing-thingI have noted that the Signoscope thread is actually not in the best location (it's under Computers, Peripheral Devices & Software), so it's not surprising that you couldn't find it. By the way, if you are looking for something specific in the future, you should try the "TSF Google Search" function in the tool bar. It doesn't always work perfectly, but in this case, just putting in "Signoscope" took me to several references on the Forum. Just FYI.
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radiocruncher
Member
Posts: 317
What I collect: GB especially Wildings and Machins. Early Germany to 1945
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Post by radiocruncher on Jul 3, 2021 16:06:10 GMT
Thanks for the link. I did see that thread but it was about changing the colour spectrum which seems like a very good idea. I'm having mixed results with it at the moment. I am sure that I will get used to it
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Beryllium Guy
Moderator
Posts: 5,340
What I collect: Worldwide Stamps 1840-1930
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Post by Beryllium Guy on Jul 3, 2021 16:26:28 GMT
OK, Graham ( radiocruncher), very well.... you already found that thread. Yes, I agree that its title makes it too specific, really. I will have a think about that, but perhaps I should use it to create a thread like "All About Watermark-Viewing Equipment" or something along those lines, then any type of comments about how to use the various machines that are available out there could be included. Any comments or feedback are welcome, of course. I am always happy to consolidate posts to create threads that are subject-specific, but at the same time, still broad enough to allow for many members to contribute to them. It's a little bit of a balancing act. I will have a think about it, and also see if there are any other comments to consider before I make any changes. Thanks for your follow-up response.
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rex
Member
Posts: 1,050
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Post by rex on Jul 3, 2021 21:59:42 GMT
Good job Graham radiocruncherPersonally I really like these tools, I find them very useful.
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radiocruncher
Member
Posts: 317
What I collect: GB especially Wildings and Machins. Early Germany to 1945
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Post by radiocruncher on Jul 4, 2021 10:45:14 GMT
Good job Graham radiocruncher Personally I really like these tools, I find them very useful. Thanks Rex. I paid very little for it considering what they cost new and I was very pleased to get it working
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eggdog
Member
I want a new Harley!
Posts: 464
What I collect: It's complicated....
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Post by eggdog on Aug 17, 2021 17:57:36 GMT
I read all these posts about the Signoscopes T1 and T2 and I wanted one so I went shopping online. Can't seem to find the T2, but there's a T3 out ( Here's a blurb.) Anybody try it? I've usually done OK with watermarks, but 19th-century Romanians are devious. So are pre-WWI Hungarians. So was King Carol I, I suppose, but he sure liked having his picture on stamps. I suppose I could shell out for the T1 and test out how infinite my wife's infinite patience really is. But I'm curious about the new one. And I might want to buy some food one of these days.
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renden
Member
Posts: 8,032
What I collect: World W collector with ++ interests in BNA (Canada etc) and USA
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Post by renden on Aug 17, 2021 18:06:32 GMT
I read all these posts about the Signoscopes T1 and T2 and I wanted one so I went shopping online. Can't seem to find the T2, but there's a T3 out ( Here's a blurb.) Anybody try it? I've usually done OK with watermarks, but 19th-century Romanians are devious. So are pre-WWI Hungarians. So was King Carol I, I suppose, but he sure liked having his picture on stamps. I suppose I could shell out for the T1 and test out how infinite my wife's infinite patience really is. But I'm curious about the new one. And I might want to buy some food one of these days. Tell us more about your T3 experience - I could never put $$ on any model T  My lighter fuel or Watermark fluid see to do the job most of the time René btw keep posting - you need a full membership !
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,800
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Feb 15, 2022 19:33:06 GMT
The Sherlock watermark detector is not perfect, but it can easily be improved. Light from above is a major problem, and you might turn of the light in the room to see the watermark. But if you make a simple 'hood' that problem is solved. 
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Post by octavius on Jun 3, 2022 19:15:39 GMT
Hi folks, After receiving a bottle of Clarity watermark detector and a black tray, I tried to see the watermark on my collection of QEII Wildings definitive stamps. Not impressed. It took 4 stamps before I could see a watermark and the fluid dried up too quickly to photograph it. (Maybe these stamps are not the best choice?). I'm thinking of getting the SG Watermark detector ($180) but it is a chunk of change and would I expecting too much from it? Has anyone an image of a watermark using the SG detector? Cheers!
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angore
Member
Posts: 4,781
What I collect: WW, focus on British Empire
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Post by angore on Jun 4, 2022 10:07:05 GMT
The Sherlock and fluid both have uses. Which works best depends on the stamp. The Sherlock has one advantage - unlimited viewing time. There is no need to re-wet the stamp.
I am not an expert on watermarks so takes time to spot the tell tale clues on some stamps as many stamps have imperfections or printing features that make a quick ID more difficult.
Stamps with hinges interfere with the Sherlock so may need to be removed.
I do not regret my purchase but has limitations.
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seegod1
Member
Mostly lurking these days, but enjoying everyone's input!
Posts: 164
What I collect: Canada, Cats, Soccer, Religion, Royalty, Titanic, Stamps on Stamps, Number Ones
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Post by seegod1 on Jun 4, 2022 10:48:39 GMT
Hmmm... I usually just stick to a watermark tray and fluid, but perhaps I should go looking on e-bay for an inexpensive secondhand electronic one. Certainly, I wouldn't pay full price for a new one or anything, I'm not that desperate. Especially when I have all of you fine collectors here on TSF to help me out when the Watermark Mystery is Too Much!
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kgvistamps
Member
Posts: 193
What I collect: British Colonies - King George VI from all countries and King Edward VII & King George V from the West Indies.
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Post by kgvistamps on Jun 4, 2022 12:20:23 GMT
One other option for viewing watermarks is to place your stamps face down on black paper and view them under a strong light. I have twin spotlamps from an office store on my desk with 60 watt bulbs. I find that I can see about 95% of the British Colony watermarks on stamps issued before 1960 this way. However, if you are looking at the 1970's era QEII stamps they tend to be invisible using this method.
I also hold the stamp up before the light which sometimes helps.
If all else fails then you can get out the fluid or something better.
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rex
Member
Posts: 1,050
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Post by rex on Jun 4, 2022 16:30:13 GMT
 I am very intrigued by this watermark detector, does anyone own a similar one, use it, have ever used it ..? Description Lindner Stampscop Watermark Detector The LINDNER Stampscope reveals watermarks, damage, repair, and thin spots on stamps. The device works with the same principles as the Letterscope, depending upon how the Stampscope is held up against the light. Instructions are enclosed!
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jpotx113
Member
Posts: 444
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Sept 2, 2022 16:49:24 GMT
I'm shopping around for a new watermark detector. I have a Signoscope 1 BUT I would like to try something with the option of different colored lights and something less bulky. Yes, I know fluid is cheap, and will still use my trusty lighter.fluid and black plastic tray. However, the government decided that since I was an essential worker during the initial period of the pandemic I'm entitled an ARPA check (American Rescue Plan Act of 2021). I like gadgets and new toys. So...I might as well splurge.
I have not decided on which one of these I want, but have listed them in the order of most wanted to least:
1. Stanley Gibbons Detectamark
2. Lighthouse Sherlock Watermark Detector
3. Signoscope T3
Let's hear some pros and cons from those that own one of these.
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,800
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Sept 2, 2022 17:44:20 GMT
I don't recommend the Lighthouse Sherlock Watermark Detector. I have one and it's really not fast and easy to work with. you have to wind up and down a 'wing nut' for each stamp, and get the tray that the stamp is placed in, in and out for each stamp. If you are testing one stamp it can be ok, but if you have a bunch to test ........
And it don't work as good as fluid.
My Sherlock is in a dark drawer.
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jpotx113
Member
Posts: 444
What I collect: USA, Germany, Croatia, Slovenia, Machins, misc. WW
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Post by jpotx113 on Sept 2, 2022 18:06:23 GMT
tobben63 Thanks for the info. I knew the Sherlock had to be screwed but was not positive about the SG. Other than having to build a light shade for yours how happy are you with your purchase? I take it you have no regrets.
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tobben63
Member
Stamp eat sleep repeat
Posts: 1,800
What I collect: I collect to much, world wide!
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Post by tobben63 on Sept 2, 2022 18:54:11 GMT
Well, I mostly use fluid, it's better and faster IMHO.
The 'shade' was an improvement, but it is to slow to work with and don't show watermarks that are difficult. And the stamp has to be absolutely clean.
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randyharper
Member
Trying to decide if too far left is right
Posts: 185
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Post by randyharper on Mar 4, 2023 17:25:24 GMT
Watermarks on cover are my sticking point. How does anyone check those without removing all or part of the stamp from the cover?
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